Looking for a beautiful beach to visit in Costa Rica? Why not Playa Hermosa?
Playa Hermosa is a small beach located 20 min away from Cobano, in Puntarenas. It’s the perfect place for a reset! This beach does not have the crazy amount of people other beaches in Costa Rica have, in fact, it is a very quiet place. The town is really small, you’ll find a few surf shops, a couple of restaurants, a grocery shop, and that’s pretty much it.
Playa Hermosa is very appropriately named, as “hermosa” means “beautiful” in Spanish. You will be greeted with soft sands, vegetation all around, cute animals, and waves according to your taste: if you are into surfing, you’ll find waves for this. If you are into relaxing on a calm beach, you can find that too! This beach is a haven for those who appreciate nature in its purest form.
I’m not into surfing really, so I enjoyed the low tide the most. All across the reef, you will find these beautiful natural pools where you can relax and swim your worries away, at least that’s what I did!
If you are a wildlife enthusiast like me, you can explore the reefs and see all kind of beautiful fish and algae. Rumour has it you can even find an octopus here and there. I couldn’t find any, but I didn’t go too deep in the reefs this time.
I would post pictures about all the animals I was able to see (you know, cute monkeys, iguanas, and raccoons, though they are everywhere really), but very conveniently I did not have my phone with me at the moment, so I encourage you to get those pictures for me!
My favorite part of the day though was the sunset. Everybody knows that in the pacific coast of Costa Rica you will never be disappointed by the sunsets, but I wasn’t expecting such a breathtaking view. I found it to be find magical: clear sky, a fresh breeze, and the howling of monkeys all around, along with the sound of the waves. For a moment, it feels like time stops, and it’s just you and the Sun.
What to do in Playa hermosa
Playa hermosa is really a get-away kind of place. Here, specifically, you won’t be able to do most of the partying people tend to do when on the beach. But if you are looking to relax and explore nature, you will not be disappointed. These are some of the activities you can do here:
- Surfing: I’d dare say this is the most “intense”one. Playa Hermosa is well known for its consistent waves, making it a favorite spot for surfers of all levels. Whether you’re a more experienced surfer or a beginner looking try something new, you’ll find the perfect conditions here. There are also several surf schools in the area offering lessons and board rentals.
- Snorkeling/Diving: As mentioned previously, playa hermosa has an amazing marine life. Thanks to its clear waters, it is a great spot for snorkeling and diving. You can explore coral reefs and encounter a variety of sea creatures. If you’re lucky, you might even see some vibrant-color tropical fish and rays.
- Wildlife watching: The area around Playa Hermosa is rich in biodiversity. Count how many monkeys, iguanas, and different bird species can you observe. The nearby Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve is also worth a visit for a more immersive wildlife experience.
- Hiking: The area offers plenty of opportunities for hiking. Take a stroll along the beach or venture into the nearby forests (responsibly) for a chance to discover hidden waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints. Remember, you can always ask the locals for spots and activities they’d recommend for you!
*Bonus activity: If you visit the area in February ( like I did), you will be able to enjoy the twon festivities in Cobano! This is an annual celebration that includes parades, traditional music and dances, food stalls and fair rides. This is a great place to learn the traditions of the town and also meet people, both local and foreigners.
Where to stay
Here is a list of places you can check out for your stay:
- Hermosa Treehouse: A hidden gem, surrounded by the jungles of the area. You will be close to nature without sacrificing your comfort.
- Lua Villas: They offer different types of accomodations for you to choose. And it’s just a 3 min walk from here to the best beach spot.
- Dream Surf House Santa Teresa: Comfortable stay which also offers Yoga sessions and Surf lessos. Everything you could ask for!
If you want to check out more locations, google maps can give you a few suggestions more!
Made up your mind yet?
Playa Hermosa in Cobano will surely give you an amazing time and beautiful memories for a lifetime. But if you don’t believe me, feel free to come to Costa Rica and visit this beautiful beach and drop your experiences on the comment section of this blog. We will all appreciate your insights ♥
Stay tuned for more destinations!